VOLUME 22 /1ISSUE 1 / SEPTEMBER VOLUME 22 / ISSUE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / 2020 FREE
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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Dear Readers, Hello and welcome back from your Student Media to another year at Bath. This issue is, unsurprisingly, not how we thought we’d initially communicate with you. Normally, Freshers’ is one of Media’s favourite moments, because it allows us to have fun with you lot, get some stories out of you and then sign the day off by calling all that ‘work’. As you all know, that won’t be possible for a while. That said, not all change is bad. We have a new year ahead, with new challenges to keep us alert and new opportunities to keep us fulfilled. With that comes our responsibility as your student magazine; as ever, we’re here to deliver news, opinions and revelations that are relevant to you both as University of Bath members and Bath residents. As a community, we’re here to keep you engaged and entertained, both through our traditional means of pen and paper and through other, external projects, like collaborations with our cousins CampusTV and University Radio Bath. Now on to the magazine you’re holding now. Contrary to usual practice, this copy doesn’t have a cover story (more of those to come in term time). In the meantime, let’s see what we have for you now: to kick off the new year in Bath, we’ve made our own Bath Time Guide to Bath, a visual aid in how to get around the city and what to once you’re there. Alternatively, for when
you’re stuck on campus, our friends over at Vegetarian Soc chipped in with their recipe ideas based on stuff you can buy in Fresh – no excuse for being bad cooks now! To satiate your fashion needs, our influencercum-Lifestyle Editor, Chloé, brings you the top tips on sustainable clothes shopping in Bath, alongside an unrelated but equally as important guide to restriction-friendly socials (you’re better safe than sorry but it doesn’t have to be solitary). For the more cultural amongst you, we’ve brought you some pieces on the history of Bath and, for the people who can’t sit still, our Sports Editor, Yas “Sporty Spice” Western, has reached out to the Mountaineering Society to get you hiking/running/jogging/bumsliding all over campus. As for me, I’m your Editor-in-Chief and I am honoured to be able to bring another year of Bath Time goodness back to campus and our online communities. The committee is so excited to engage with and get to know you, the reader, so do be sure to get in touch if you want to write/design/ take photographs for us. Enjoy!
D STICKLEY, Editor-in-Chief P.S. Thank you to Sofia Caccamo, who’s not a Bath student, but a legend regardless, who designed this issue for us. Big love.
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MEET THE COMMITTEE Darcey Stickley Editor-in-Chief
Darcey is a final year Spanish & Politics student, so get her talking about either of those things and you’ll never escape. Originally from Cambridge, she has a thing for pretty cities and the secrets they hold. As EIC, not only is she power hungry, she’s also a stickler for spelling and often labelled a ‘walking thesaurus’, so if you spot any errors, let her know.
Matt Kemp
Deputy Editor (Online) Having not realised how much work final year and a dissertation brings, Matt joins Bath Time as Deputy Editor, owning all things online. He has no qualifications but gets by on references to pop culture.
Leora Garling Features Editor
Leo is a final year International Management with German student. Aside from reading and writing, she’s also into music and loves to sing and strum to jazzy tunes. When she’s not at the library working on an essay or catching up on a lecture, you’ll most probably find her in town at a pub quiz. Her infectious laugh makes her very hard to miss!
Jemma Laver
Publicity & Distribution Officer On campus, if she’s not chilling in the SU, studying in the library (to finish her Management degree) or soaking in the rays by the lake – Jemma’s most probably scouting out the best secret study spot (don’t ask, she won’t tell you where the hidden gems are). Off campus it’s anyone’s guess, but she’s most probably on an adventure finding a hidden out of town pub. However, rest assured even with all this exploring, as distribution officer she will guarantee everyone gets their hands on the Bath Time.
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MEET THE COMMITTEE Cathi Westall
Deputy Editor (Print)
Cathi is doing a Master’s in International Relations, and was also at Bath for her BA in French and Politics. Safe to say she is in denial about a) Brexit and b) adulthood. As one of the Deputy Editors, she’ll likely try to shoehorn terrible puns into headlines, so please intervene if this becomes unbearable. Most likely to: fall asleep on a night out and then miraculously resurrect (like Jesus); feel a bit faint if she goes 3 hours without eating (less like Jesus).
Chloé Granger
Lifestyle Editor
You’ll find Chloé nestled in Bath’s best brunch spots taking aesthetic photos whilst she allows her green teabag to brew indefinitely. She’s a proud FIMML student and when she isn’t faking a Francophone heritage, she’s watching fashion shows instead of lectures or writing looong blog posts on the power of a statement handbag.
Yasmin Western
Sports Editor
Guaranteed to be in leggings and slides, Yasmin is a 2nd Year Politics and IR student and this year’s Sports Editor. She’s probably still having a crisis about the fact she can no longer blame everything on being a “silly fresh” and struggles to accept the fact that weightlifting is not a personality trait. Always sore and always hungry, she’s ready to bring the fire to Bath Time sports content; fuelled by iced coffee and her beverage themed Spotify playlists.
CONTENTS
CONTENTS PAGE CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE:
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It’s Freshers’ Week 2020. Your flat is hosting a socially-distanced wine evening. You’ve been tasked with sourcing the most exquisite wine a fiver can buy. You haven’t got long but it’s the first week and you want to impress. Can you navigate your way through Bath and make it back in time? Start at the penultimate page !
LIFESTYLE
FEATURES
SPORT
6
BATHTIME’s Guide to Bath
16
24
8
Best independent shops in Bath
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10 11
by Cathi Westall
by Chloé Granger & Emma Sutherland
Guide to restrictionfriendly socials by Adele White
Recipes using Fresh ingredients by VegSoc
Guide to British humour
by Bath Time Committee
Bath student Ruby Chamberlain crowdfunds £35,000 for life-changing surgery by Millie Gibson
20
How to navigate the chaos of a UK uni
22
What Sentinel-7 can do for our climate’s future
by Leora Garling
26
Socially distanced sport by CrewBath & Bath Time Committee
Best walks in Bath
by Mountaineering Society
AND THEN...
28 29 31
Game sheet Horoscope Erotica
by Tom Langer
Note: Photography in this issue has been sourced from unsplash.com, Wikmedia and other sources which do not require crediting unless otherwise noted.
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BT’s Guide to bath
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BT’s Guide to bath
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BEST INDEPENDENT SHOPS IN BATH TO SUPPORT AND WHY By Chloe Granger and Emma Sutherland
The current economic precarity that we are collectively facing due to the pandemic is undoubtedly difficult to navigate. For independent businesses, this has led to many shops on the high street facing closure due to a fall in the number of customers. In Bath, there are a multitude of beautiful independent shops that add warmth, character and life to the city, making it in all our best interests to do what we can to help keep these businesses afloat. Here are some of the best independent shop in Bath that are worth making the extra effort to support: Rossiters of Bath Rossiters is Bath’s take on John Lewis, offering a range of products that you would normally find in high street department stores. The shop always has a warm, friendly atmosphere and provides a multitude of handy items and great gifts for our homes. The San Francisco Fudge Factory A fudge-lover’s paradise, this shop offers a range of handmade fudge so delectably tasty, you can’t help but want to go back for more! Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or buying a little treat as a present for somebody, this sweetie heaven is a wonderful addition to the city centre and well worth investing in! Grace & Ted Looking for a designer bag without the price tag? Grace & Ted boasts a unique concept; a shop that resells luxury items at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for the bargain hunters among us, this little family-owned shop is a little luxury oasis in the heart of the city.
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Topping & Company Booksellers We can all agree there’s something magical about roaming the aisles of an old-fashioned bookshop. Topping & Co. is a charming bookshop that sells a range of bestsellers, perfect for bookworms. Bath Aqua Glass You’ve probably walked past this aesthetically pleasing shop a number of times due to its prime location next to the Baths. Beautiful handmade, glass ornaments adorn the shop, providing a gorgeous décor for customers. What’s more, they house a glassblowing workshop where you can pay to make your own glass ornament! Bath Retro Store Full of quirky knick-knacks and blasts from the past, this retro shop is perfect for those looing for items from bygone eras. If vintage is your cup of tea, this shop is perfect for you! Charity Shops If you enjoy spending your money in order to help charitable organisations, Charity Shops are the ones for you. The best ones are hands-down on Moorland Road, for example Dorothy house and Children’s Hospice Southwest. There are 7 in total, so plenty to check out if you don’t have immediate luck, as this can often be the case with Charity Shops! Why is buying independent/charity shopping so good, especially for students? Charity Shops are perfect for budgeting students as price tags are always extremely humble. In addition, the money you’re spending is going towards a good cause, which is extremely important to remember to do instead of constantly supporting fast fashion corporations. Donating clothes is also a large part of charity shopping, making for a nice, cyclical process that promotes a friendlier environment and sustainability. Shopping at independents is also an ideal route for students because you’re actively supporting the local businesses that keep our University town as unique as it is! Especially in times like these where the economy is sluggish and hope is dwindling, avoiding shopping at high-street stores will kick-start local economies and instil a new
glimmer of hope into the society.
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GUIDE TO RESTRICTION-FRIENDLY SOCIALS By Adele White
Quarantining when returning from abroad is the responsible thing to do but sadly, it does limit activities that would go on during a typical freshers’ week. Luckily, as we have learnt through lockdown, there are many other ways to ‘see’ your friends that aren’t face-to-face or that keep us safe by staying in our bubbles. 3 things to do during quarantine Netflix party - It lets you watch videos with your friends and chat together at the same time. As a flat, you could pick a movie or show to watch, and Netflix Party will sync the playback across your accounts, so you’re all watching the same thing at the same time from your individual accounts. If you choose something familiar to everyone, it means other casual conversation can happen in the chat box without missing any major plot points of the show! Scener - An American app nicknamed the ‘Virtual Movie Theater’, Scener allows you to host watch parties using video chat across any streaming platform e.g. Prime, Disney+, Netflix or SkyGo! This gives much more flexibility on shows and movies compared to just Netflix Party and the video aspect of it means you can watch and interact with people’s reactions in real time. Trashy reality TV shows (I’m thinking Too Hot To Handle or Selling Sunset) would be extra fun on an app like Scener. Evil apples - this app recreates all the fun of Cards Against Humanity but on your phone. The app is very simple, convenient and reliable. One player starts a game and everyone joins using their ‘code’ to begin . The number of rounds is customisable and there is also a chat box to discuss the wins and losses of the group. Beware, this game can get rather heated! 2 things to do on campus Sham Castle - behind Westwood on campus sits the Bath Golf Course, which students can access easily through the towpath that wraps around campus. Walk through the golf course towards Sham Castle and watch the sunset behind the country hills. Maybe bring some food and pimms if it is sunny for an evening picnic that will be so instagram story worthy, you won’t even remember the concrete eyesore that is Norwood House. Please be respectful of the course though, watch out for flying golf balls and take home ALL your stuff #LeaveNoTrace The Lake - on a sunny afternoon, you cannot beat a pint (or pint of pimms!) sat down by the lake with your friends. It is a large space so easy to sit with your flat and minimise mixing with other flats and it is conveniently close to the SU or Fresh if you ever want a top up - just don’t forget your mask! 1 thing to do in town Mini golf in Royal Victoria Park - now open for business with no booking necessary, mini golf is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon with your bubble. The park is located just along from the Royal Crescent, so be sure to walk past on your way into town or home for a picture or two. To get to the park, take the U1 to Lorne Road and walk the 10 minutes to the park. Only £5 for students, it is also a cheap way to spend an afternoon!
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RECIPE IDEAS USING INGREDIENTS FROM FRESH
We teamed up with the vegetarian society to see what ideas they had for using the ingredients our darling on-campus Fresh has to offer us. Red Lentil Dahl Ingredients: Red lentils rinsed and drained Olive oil Onions diced Garlic cloves finely chopped Cumin, turmeric, garam masala, salt, pepper Chopped tomatoes Coconut milk Vegetable stock Lemon juice Directions: 1. Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook gently for 5 minutes. 2. Add the garlic, ginger and red chilli and cook for a few minutes. 3. Add spices and cook for 1 minute. Add the lentils, tomatoes, coconut milk and stock, then stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper and cook on a low heat for 20-25 minutes until reduced and thick. 4. Stir in the lemon juice, then cook for a further 3 minutes. 5. Optional: Serve warm with rice, naan bread or poppadoms Get more inspiration from: https://www.thesubath.com/vegsoc/
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BATH THROUGH Jane Austen’s EYES By Cathi Westall
In the early 19th century, while most were toiling in factories and grappling with the industrial revolution, an elite few were preoccupied with a different set of priorities. The Bath that Jane Austen experienced was that of high society, a select group to which she herself belonged and which inspired much of her writing. Bath’s phase as the playground of the rich and upper-class began in the early 18th century, when Beau Nash, a wealthy gambler and socialite, took it upon himself to raise huge sums to reinvent the increasingly shabby city. He built and invested to the point that Bath rivalled London as the place to ‘be seen’. Anointing himself with the unofficial title of ‘Master of Ceremonies’, Nash would meet new arrivals to the city and judge whether they were sufficiently classy to join the elite group of 500 or so people who comprised high society. He would also match ladies to ‘appropriate’ dance partners, help to arrange marriages, and subtly encourage the men not to bet the family estate on a dodgy hand after one too many dry sherries. Bath’s newfound status as a haven for socialites inevitably also brought about more employment in the area – those sedan chairs didn’t carry themselves! – and, as the local economy boomed, the population rose from 2,000 to 30,000 over the course of the 18th century. Although Nash died before Austen’s time, the culture that he had helped put into place was still going strong when she lived in Bath between 1801 and 1806. Two of her novels – Northanger Abbey and Persuasion – were predominantly set in Bath, and most of her writing revolved around the upper-class social scene of balls and promenades. The Pump Room was the hub of most social activity in the city, and the décor and atmosphere haven’t changed much since. Austen often satirised the obsession among society women with teas, dances and matchmaking. However, although it might seem frivolous today, at the time, a woman’s life chances could be materially impacted by a few afternoon teas with the right bachelor. The class system in Britain was very rigid (imagine!), and women had little prospect of equal treatment or self-determination, so the incentive to find a husband of a suitable rank (and for men to find a wife with a suitable inheritance) was very strong. For young upperclass women, attending dances and fluttering their fans like their lives depended on it was the equivalent of revising for their A-Levels. By the end of her time in Bath, Austen and her family had gradually sunk to a state of ‘genteel poverty’. After her father’s death, the family were almost entirely reliant on charitable contributions from richer friends and relatives, and their living conditions had worsened considerably, although this of course is in relative terms. There are far worse fates for a Bath resident in Georgian times than living in Westgate Buildings with your rent paid by a benevolent uncle, embarrassing though that undoubtedly was. In the end, it may well have been her position as something of an underdog in high society which enabled her to view it from an outsider’s perspective and satirise how the 1% lived so effectively.
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F E AT U R E S
A GUIDE TO BRITISH HUMOUR By The Bath Time Editorial Committee
Sarcasm, irony and the art of self-deprecation: the three pillars of British humour. It’s something which all of us who grew up in Britain just understand, almost as if it’s in our blood. However, if you’re not from the UK, or English isn’t your first language, it can be an absolute minefield. Often, this can lead to awkwardly sitting in conversations wondering why something was funny at all. British humour is hard enough to understand in person, let alone online. So, to make things a bit easier to understand, we’ve enlisted both British and international students to weigh in on this handy guide. Firstly, what are sarcasm and irony - and why are they different? The main difference between sarcasm and irony is that irony refers to a situation – which is there regardless of whether anyone draws attention to it – while sarcasm is a form of expression, where a person says the opposite of what they mean. There are two things to bear in mind here. 1) Where there is irony, British people invariably will point it out; it’s a welcome reminder of life’s absurdity, which we love because we avoid serious conversations at all costs. 2) British people exist in an almost perpetual state of sarcasm, so if someone’s reaction seems unexpected or odd, this is a possibility worth considering. So irony refers to a situation which is funny because something’s gone the opposite way to what would be expected. For example: ‘I just saw a security guard searching for his keys. How ironic.’ The irony here being that security guards are usually responsible for letting people in or out of buildings, often when someone has forgotten their key or been locked out. See, everything is funnier when it’s explained in excruciating detail. Which leads us on to...
Will from The Inbetweeners
Sarcasm, aka insincere speech for humorous effect. It can be easy to spot - here’s a more obvious example: Person 1: Kate just dropped four jars of tomato sauce over the kitchen floor. Could you give us a hand clearing it up? Person 2: It would be an honour and a privilege. But it’s also context dependent. Here’s a more subtle example: Person 1: Kate just dropped four jars of tomato sauce over the kitchen floor. Could you give us a hand clearing it up? Person 2: Sure, no problem, not like I was busy or anything.
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This is almost certainly sarcasm – if Person 2 genuinely wasn’t busy, they’d probably have said something like ‘yeah I’ve got a bit of time now’. The passive aggressive tone of their response therefore suggests they were probably in the middle of brokering peace in the Middle East when Person 1 knocked on their door.
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In a world that constantly seeks to promote self-love and self-respect, a lot of the time Brits do the exact opposite. Self-deprecation is our greatest tool; we’re constantly making ourselves the joke. We love making fun of other people as well, so this is a logical extension. Self-deprecation can be useful, as it enables you to expose your own flaws and insecurities before anyone else points them out, thus controlling your own narrative. It’s an important tool by which to signal to others which aspects of your life you don’t mind joking about, as there is a very fine line between sharing in someone’s willing self-deprecation and actively tormenting them. That said, you can generally tell how close a group of friends are by how horrible they are to one another. Ironically, politeness tends to diminish the more we genuinely value someone’s friendship. We’re not being mean to ourselves, it’s just what we do! With that ridiculous imbalance of humour in mind, here are our Features Editor Leora’s top tips for understanding British Humour: • If you’re looking for sincerity, don’t hold your breath. Expect that everything said is a lie, so you don’t buy anyone’s rubbish!! (also an excellent survival motto) • Follow British meme pages on Instagram - they’re not all great quality, but that should prepare you for what’s to come. • It’s important to remember that sometimes, if you feel like you don’t get a joke, it might not actually have been that funny in the first place. Brits are not the arbiters of humour, whatever they might have you believe. • British humour can be a great weapon. You can use it as a defence mechanism and to instantly bond with any Brit. • British sitcoms will pretty much teach you everything you need to know – here are some top picks to get you started: • The Office (UK version): filmed as a ‘mockumentary’, so there are no obvious jokes but the cringier it gets, the funnier it is meant to be. • Peep Show and Fleabag: in both shows, the main characters helpfully look straight into the camera to tell you what they really mean whenever they’re being insincere or sarcastic to one another. A masterclass in using humour as a defence mechanism. • Fresh Meat: gives a decent overview of student life in the UK, with each main character fulfilling a classic British uni stereotype. • The Inbetweeners: – watch this comingof-age series to see exactly what all British boys were like before they went to uni and started pretending to be cool. 15 BATHTIME Phoebe from Fleabag
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BATH STUDENT RUBY CHAMBERLAIN CROWDFUNDS £35,000 FOR LIFE-CHANGING SURGERY By Millie Gibson
Think your lockdown was productive? Bath student Ruby Chamberlain crowdfunded £35,000 for lifechanging surgery to treat her Complex Regional Pain Syndrome to hopefully allow her to get back to university and the life she loves. Bath Time caught up with the final-year economics student to talk living with a chronic condition, her favourite fundraising challenge and the amazing support she’s received from the Bath community. BT: So what is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, and how does it affect your life? Ruby: I suffer from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome from my back to my feet. It essentially means that your nervous system in that area doesn’t work properly, so extreme pain signals are constantly firing up to your brain. My CRPS has got a lot worse over the last couple of years, which has drastically impacted my mobility and quality of life. When I first went to uni the pain was constant, but the base level was much lower, so I could meet people and go on nights out and it didn’t have to be the first thing I mentioned. In second year, it just plummeted. I would go to the pub and within ten minutes I would have to sit down. Now, it’s within 30 seconds that I have to sit down. At uni I was probably getting four hours of sleep a night, if that, because the pain means it’s impossible to stay asleep for longer than 45 minutes. Now my sleep is basically nil. As a student it’s difficult because you need your brain power in order to concentrate, but it’s just not there. This past year my condition got so bad that I had to leave my placement, which was gutting. I hope that after surgery and recovery I’ll be able to manage final year because at the moment, there just isn’t a chance. BT: You’ve done some fun challenges on social media. Can you tell us about your fundraising highlights, and how you went about reaching so many people? Ruby: The fundraising ran through lockdown so it had to be all online, but we’ve done so many fun things. My first highlight was a ‘lockdown lads to quarantine queens’ competition basically a big drag makeover for my boyfriend and dad. We had the best, most hilarious day. My dad had eyelash glue on him for about a week afterwards. The second highlight was when I actually hit the target. I was on just over £28,000 and I tweeted a Youtuber with millions of followers. I thought they’d never see it but it could be worth a go. When I came back to my phone, I had a notification that this Youtuber had donated the entirety of the remaining £7000, completely anonymously. I thought I would have to fundraise for so much longer and then all of a sudden, the funds were there, which was just unbelievable. 16 BATHTIME
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BT: So thanks to that generous donation at the end, you’ve now reached over £35,000 and you have a date booked for surgery. Could you tell us about what the surgery involves, and what you’re hoping the outcome might be? Ruby: The surgery inserts a “pain pacemaker”, a little generator just smaller than a matchbox under the skin, with wires connected up to your spine. It interferes with the pain pathways going up from the bottom half of my body to my brain, acting like a filter. You charge the generator like a wireless phone charger, but through your skin, and I’ll have a remote control to change the frequencies and different settings, depending on where my pain is. The technology is really futuristic. I’m really hopeful that it’s going to help reduce my pain, increase my mobility, allow me to sleep more, get back to uni and start enjoying myself again. I’m hoping to go into uni parttime in September and, if I’m recovering well, then go full-time in second semester. BT: Your story has brought so much positivity to people’s lives over recent months, seeing such an uplifting and community-based campaign, and so many people getting involved, from family and friends to strangers. Ruby: The University of Bath community has been amazing. It’s a really nice reflection of the students, alumni, and community; just how many people who I don’t know have reached out. It’s amazing how many kind people there are. I’d like to say a massive thank you to every single person that has engaged with my campaign. I don’t often get emotional, but it is genuinely unbelievable because I had got to the point where I had accepted my situation: that I couldn’t finish my degree, I’d have to live at home with my parents forever, not be able to work, not be able to do anything. I cannot express how grateful I am and how life-changing this is going to be. I’m going to keep posting updates after surgery but the main thing I can say is a massive thank you to every single person that has got involved and donated. It has been amazing.
Editor’s note: At the time of publication, Ruby has now had surgery and is recovering well. You can follow her story by searching for ‘Ruby Chamberlain Go Fund Me’. 17 BATHTIME
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NAVIGATING THE CHAOS THAT IS STUDYING IN THE UK By Leora Garling
As a half English international student, I thought I knew everything about British culture. Little did I know that studying in the UK was going to be full of surprises. Whilst I thought I had drawn a detailed picture of British stereotypes in my head, it turns out I knew nothing about UK’s youth culture. And no, the internet can not teach you everything (some things just need to be experienced). What surprised me most when I first came to uni was how good people were at embracing diversity. Fashion wise, no style is classified as too eccentric – to dress differently was perceived as ‘cool’ or ‘retro’. Despite constantly moaning about the weather, on a night out the cold just doesn’t exist - summer cocktail dresses are a must in December! Pretty does hurt (be prepared to stock up on tissues for many a sniffly nose). A reputable UK university is also described as a multicultural hub, as students from all over the world live and gather on campus. For most students, there are only 2 semesters a year and they benefit from a 4-month long summer break! A British stereotypical trait which you will unfortunately not escape from is the art of sarcasm and irony (something we discuss on page 16). As a foreigner myself, I can only sympathise - you will get used to it… or not.) There is no set curriculum amongst British universities - rather, students get lots of freedom to choose their own path, be it the different styles of teaching or being able to choose modules based on your interests. Strangely, first year grades do not count in most undergraduate bachelor’s degrees, (as long as you pass) – so make the most of it, silly fresher, just don’t get the police involved. Another cultural aspect Brits live up to very well indeed is their drinking culture. Nothing can really prepare you for ‘Pres’ - pre-drinking the English way, certainly during freshers’ week and later before Going Out Out. On a Thursday night (aka thirsty Thursdays) you will find a large percentage of students either chilling at the University Student Union or at the local pub playing pool and taking part in pub quizzes whilst drinking cider/beer. If you are one to go clubbing and partying, you might want to listen to a few disco tunes, cheesy music and old school RnB to get accustomed to the sorts of things they’ll play in clubs. Student-friendly clubs mean great deals on drinks, but students in the UK never leave it until they’re in the clubs to start their drinking; expect to be drunk on arrival. Another great way of getting good deals on campus/nightlife is if you are part of a society. Many university complexes have a lot of extracurricular fun to offer. Each university has a multitude of societies for movie fanatics, gamers, any kind of sports, basically anything! Anyone will find their cup of tea. Studying at a UK university not only involves campus life, but also the city life, night life, traveling to other parts of the island and making the most of student life for the next couple of years. I hope Brexit and COVID (BROVID or COXIT – my money’s on the latter) won’t cut your student experience short as the country itself has plenty to offer already.
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WHAT SENTINEL-7 CAN DO FOR OUR CLIMATE’S FUTURE By Tom Langer
Data is the foundation upon which good strategy is based. It is data that allows us to diagnose a problem, to build a solution, and then to monitor how effective that solution is. This is true in everything from engineering projects, to new government policies, and it is self-evident that time and resources are most efficiently utilised when we receive quick and detailed feedback from the front line. In most cases, this data can be acquired fairly simply; simple devices such as voltmeters and opinion polls give us clear results which can easily be interpreted. But as the world becomes more complex, and we begin to tackle problems at the global level, the need for the next generation of data gathering is becoming increasingly apparent. This is why the European Union’s Copernicus Earth observation programme is so vitally important and the plans for its expansion are so wonderfully exciting.
But it is Sentinel-7 that is most likely to make the headlines in the coming years. The German manufacturer, OHB-System, has just signed a £400 million contract to begin its construction. Sentinel-7 will measure not only the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but will also go a long way to provide data that will allow us to assess how much of that carbon dioxide has been emitted as a result of human activity (anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions). The sensitivity of the instruments is frankly astonishing and, once both satellites are up and running, they will be able to provide a picture of CO2 emissions from the Earth’s surface at a resolution of 2km x 2km, with the data for every spot on Earth updated every 5 days. It is difficult to overstate the importance of this project, particularly given the timings involved. With an (optimistic) aim to launch in 2025, we might have 3 years of high-quality data ready for the 2028 global stocktake report mandated by the Paris Climate Accords. Climate change is one of the gravest threats’ humanity has ever faced - it is complex, it is global, and will require a great deal of self-reflection, particularly in wealthier nations. If the discourse is to be honest and productive, we shall need all the data we can gather. We should therefore be hopeful, thankful and (with UK funding not yet decided) vocal for our Sentinels.
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Photo from: NASA https://sealevel.nasa.gov/internal_resources/276
Beginning life in 1998 as the far less memorable “Global Monitoring for Environmental Security”, the Copernicus Programme is the self-described “European Programme for the establishment of a European capacity for Earth Observation”. In short, it exists to monitor and provide data on the wellbeing of the Earth and its denizens, with the aim of improving the quality of life of European citizens in particular. Perhaps the most eye-catching parts of Copernicus are the aptly named “Sentinel Missions”. Each mission consists of two satellites tasked with observing one specific facet of life on Planet Earth. There are currently 6 Sentinel Missions either already in operation or with scheduled launch dates, and between them they will provide data on atmospheric composition, sea-level changes, and land coverage.
SPORTS
SOCIALLY DISTANCED SPORT By Bath Time Editorial Committee in Collaboration with CrewBath
As sport gradually creeps back into our lives after months of being side-lined, we all hope we’ll soon be able to get back to the old ways of enjoying physical activity. However, in the meantime some of our old favourites will have to make adjustments to be “COVID safe”. Alongside some of our amazing Sports Committees, the Bath Time committee have come up with a serious, scientific and practical guide to practicing your favourite sports in a socially distanced world. Wrestling It’s hard to imagine anything more conducive to disease transmission than a pair of sweaty athletes attempting to squish each other’s faces and straddle one another while wearing leather chaps and Lycra. Courtesy of our Deputy Editor and apparent wrestling enthusiast Cathi, here’s three ways to get down to a wrestling match: Couples-only wrestling Created a social bubble with a significant other? (wink wink) Then you’re at no additional risk writhing around on the floor in a wrestling match, we just need to implement some rules! Similar-sized couples are going to have the best success here - after all, a wrestling match between a 6ft3 boyfriend and a 5ft2 girlfriend is hardly a fair fight. Arm-Wrestling: extended edition In another ambitious COVID crossover, we bring you arm wrestling x jousting. Think 2-meter-long table, appropriate PPE and some sort of Giant Poking Device. A litter-picking style grabber would be most suitable here, as you battle to force your opponent’s stick down from a distance. If you do happen to be a fan of historical re-enactments, medieval armour and chainmail could add an interesting dimension of realism. Wrestling with your conscience Agonising over how such a physical sport will work in a virtual setting? Look no further! Rather than wrestling one another, athletes can wrestle with themselves – all from the comfort of their own homes. Points will be awarded for a) the identification of past wrongs; b) the level of responsibility taken; and c) how the contestant plans to grow and make amends. Wrestling may initially struggle to go virtual, but it’s about to get a whole lot more real.
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SPORTS Football Despite the Premier League and other major football competitions having returned a few months ago, the level of testing given to players just cannot be reciprocated on a national level. In order to keep yourselves safe, Zorb Football really is the only answer in my mind. Is there anything more COVID safe than running around in a small plastic bubble of your own recycled air? Moreover, the prospect of being able to run around smashing into other people could finally turn football into the contact sport we’ve all secretly been wishing for. Relay Races A sports day staple and a signature in lots of sports warmups and cool downs, but passing around a stick to each other in this climate? You might as well be passing around a petri dish without a lid. However, we’ve had a rethink of what you could use as a baton in a relay race: Just make the baton 2 meters long. Not only is the thought of Usain Bolt managing to reach the speeds he does carrying a massive stick hilarious, we could also see some accidental pole vaults which would definitely make these races far more interesting. Sharing Cleanliness. Why not pass along a bottle of hand sanitiser? Not only can you keep yourself fresh during your 100m of fame but it’s an extra sponsorship opportunity, right? Rowing While a single scull rowing boat is really the definition of social distancing (unless your steering anything like mine in which case you’ll be crashing into everything), what if you don’t want to go it alone? Well CrewBath’s Marketing and Recruitment Officer Zali Kelly has all the answers to how we can make team Rowing work: Reducing boat capacity Like buses, trains and restaurants, seats in rowing boats can also be skipped in order to maintain social distancing. Rigging the 8s to 4s missing every other seat would easily hit the 2-meter social distancing rules. We might go around in circles, but if cars can do doughnuts then why can’t we? Perspex screens There’s always the option to equip boats with Perspex screens in-between individuals to enhance safety. This also might help to slightly muffle the loud, but no less very important coxswain at the front to finally get some peace and quiet during your row down the River Avon. If the Perspex screens aren’t enough to block out the shouting, you could always offer the option of joining through zoom and just turning down the volume, peace at last! All aboard the rowing train! If you’re certain that you want to row in 8s, then why not tie 8 singles together? CrewBath’s very own ‘orrible’ could be a perfect stroke man for 8 singles to be tied together. And what’s even better, there doesn’t have to be a cox! You may just spend some time in and out of bushes…
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SPORTS
I WILL WALK 500 MILES:
By Yasmin Western and Bath University Mountaineering Club
Something that may have drawn you to Bath when you first had a look around is the amazing scenery and outdoor spaces both the campus and city have to offer. Fancy a chill walk with your flatmates after you’ve tried one of our Fresh ingredients recipes, or just need a bit of space away from your desk? Well, Bath University Mountaineering Club’s Walking Secretaries Will Jones and Rob Cook have you covered with some of their favourite walks in Bath! All the maps can be found at thesubath.com/mountaineering/walking along with the rest of the BUMC selected walks they have on offer! Skyline Walk Start and end: Campus Distance: 9km / 4.5km Time (approx.): 3 hours / 1.5 hours Great for getting to know the scenery right by Uni and it delivers some picturesque views of Bath. Head past Sham Castle, around the top of Claverton Down and back down and round the lovely countryside right by campus. You can cut it in half by doing the top or bottom part, but either way we’d recommend wearing shoes you don’t mind getting a bit muddy. We’ll also be running this walk most days during arrivals (17th-23rd) and Freshers’ (23rd-27th) if you don’t feel like map reading! Two Tunnels Greenway Start and end: Campus Distance: 12km Time (approx.): 4 hours A bit of a not so hidden gem. Head down to Monkton Combe, then follow the cycle route through two disused railway tunnels to reach the town. From here, it is a few kilometres’ walk back to campus. Both tunnels are well-lit, but it’s useful to have a torch so other people can see you.
This is us!
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BATH EDITION
SPORTS
Two Crescents Start and end: The Abbey Distance: 3.8km Time (approx.): 1.5 hours A shorter, more urban walk and perfect for anyone in city accommodation. Starting by the Abbey, head through historic Bath, past the Assembly Rooms, through the Circus and Royal Crescent, before going up to Lansdown Crescent, returning past (or into) the Saracen’s Head, the oldest pub in the city. Solsbury Hill Start and end: The Abbey Distance: 12km Time (approx.): 4 hours Walk down to the River Avon, then back up to Solsbury Hill for an excellent view over the city. The canal can be followed back to town. Bonus Spot - Alexandra Park Head down Widcombe hill and up to Alexandra park for a terrific view of the city (there is a reason every photo of Bath is taken from there) Hopefully there’s something for you, but if not, we have more walks over at our SU page and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @bathunimountaineeringclub or on Facebook @ BathUniMC to find out more about what we do and everything we’re running during freshers week!
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GAMES
Bath Times’ brain boggling brain games SUDOKU
RIDDLE You measure my life in hours and I serve you by expiring. I’m quick when I’m thin and slow when I’m fat. The wind is my enemy. What am I?
answer: a candle
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HOROSCOPE
VIRGO
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
CANCER
LEO
Aug 23 - Sept 22 It’s Virgo season, baby! Aside from sunny interludes in otherwise unexciting British weather, the next few weeks should show you what matters to you most – look for signs in your spending and socialising. If you’ve just been accepted into Bath, try joining a few group chats related to your course and accommodation to get familiar with your fellow bath students and future friends.
Nov 22 - Dec 21 Ah, the flighty wonder that is Sagittarius. Now that we’re back at Uni, all those appointments you’d managed to ‘forget about’ or ‘sleep through’ now need to be made up for; we’re back with a vengeance this year, and your moleskin planner will actually need to be used. Set yourself little daily goals in order to check everything off your list and start the year as you mean for it to go on.
Feb 19 - Mar 20 Empathetic and impressionable, be careful with who you make connections within the beginning day of your new academic year. Your openness is admirable but not everyone’s intentions are pure; those boundaries won’t build themselves. You don’t have to stay friends with the first person you ever meet at Uni – broaden your perspectives and give everyone a fair chance.
May 21 - Jun 20 Adaptable but also impulsive, your fun comes in your spontaneity. Term time will alter your level of commitment and you might need to tone down your energy to re-find the academic in you. No reason you can’t enjoy a good social along the way! Invest in an academic planner to stay on top of your assignments whilst also being able to commit to nights out.
Sept 23 - Oct 22 September means the beginning of the slog, you hard-working Libra. As much as we admire your grind ethic, remember it’s only the beginning of the university year, so find your feet and relax before the real work begins. Try spending some time looking after yourself, maybe have a picnic on the Royal Crescent or indulge in some retail therapy in Southgate to get yourself recharged for the academic year.
Dec 22 - Jan 19 Boring to some, interesting to few, your time is now, Capricorn. The academic year is yours for the taking, as are the extra assignments, multiple society engagements and dinner invitations. Just remember to sleep in the meantime. Say yes to as many social events as you can, however, do not burn yourself out – be selective with whom you spend your time.
Mar 21 - Apr 19 Quick-witted and sometimes short-tempered, be careful how you make your first impression now we’re back. While your company can be fun and challenging, sometimes your abruptness stops people short. Keep that in check and you've got a good year ahead. Encourage fun, open discussions with your flatmates but prevent yourself from becoming too heated. Count to 10.
Jun 21 - Jul 22 Cancer, hun. Bring yourself out again; caring for others over these last few months has done wonders for those around you, but it’s you o’clock again. Go for a coffee in one of Bath’s many cosy cafés alone, take a long stroll around Victoria Park or the lake on campus and breathe in that fresh air. Spend time just with yourself and you’ll soon learn to love taking care of yourself.
OCT 23 - NOV 21 Hello to you and your ego, Scorpio. Although being surrounded by your people is your element, remember to slow down and listen to others sometimes. Keep yourself to yourself sometimes, yeah? Freshers should ensure they get to know their halls mates in a selfless, empathetic manner and for returning students, be that listening ear and shoulder to cry on for your old friends.
Jan 20 - Feb 18 Even though you’re born the Monday period of the year, you make up for that by being the life and soul of the party, Aquarius. Like your element Air dictates, you shine best in a balance; remember to be both a giver and a taker when it comes to your friendships (and anything beyond). Ensure you allow your friends (old or new) to express themselves without your voice overpowering them. Listen intently. Apr 20 - May 20 The goat and, at times, the GOAT. Loyal sometimes to a fault, friendship is something you hold dear but also can misjudge poorly. Stick with what you know, tread with caution and have fun. Listen to your gut – if something or someone doesn’t feel tight, take a step back. Spend some time with others – go to Fresh for drinks with somebody else and see if they’re more your cup of tea (or G&T?). Jul 23 - Aug 22 Our individual pioneer, the solitary Leo. Now’s the time to check in with your peers even when it doesn’t feel natural; open up and remind yourself why you spend time with them. Freshers, ensure you’re keeping constant dialogue with your new mates about how they’re doing – it's a confusing, tough time for everyone and we all have to look out for each other. 25 BATHTIME
EROTICA
THROBBING FLASHBACK By Welle H. Ung
Chastity, a young, ambitious yet innocent young woman explores the intimate pleasures of being a University of Bath student.
Lockdown had been so tedious for the poor girl, as she passionately missed every second she couldn’t spend with her classmates and her professors. Chastity was about to drift to sleep when a throbbing flashback suddenly came to her mind, arousing every single sense. One rainy day, as she was standing in a small seminar room soaked to her toes, her professor suddenly turned up, supposedly to discuss her dissertation. His eyes quickly wandered onto her smudged red lipstick, which Chastity was trying to hide by biting her index finger suggestively. Then, his eyes trailed down to her bust, revealing the outer curves of her voluptuous breasts in great detail. The professor’s breathing became sharper and heavier and his muscular body tensed up all at once. Completely in awe, Chastity kindly snapped him back to reality, her sore throat from the cold weather making her voice sound even huskier than usual, as she mumbled “Sorry, sir, I wish I was more presentable.” Without hesitation, the professor pulled her wet ponytail towards him and flipped Chastity onto her front, right on his cold, hard, wooden desk. “Soon, your name will no longer match your actions.” To which Chastity replied “I really don’t mind, sir, as long as my grades match my reputation.”
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CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
You step out of the flat. Where do you go?
Make your way into town – there will be more variety in the city.
Head straight to Fresh – forget the wine, Lambrini will do. You get stuck in the queue and don’t make it back in time. Added to that, the judgemental snorts and looks of disappointment from your fellow flatmates when you reveal the Lambrini bottle is too shameful. You’ve failed the task and more importantly, you’ve failed to impress. GAME OVER.
Making your way to the bus stop, your heart sinks at the sight of a long, snaking queue ending outside the library. Do you…
Wait for the bus – you just love queuing, there’s nothing you’d rather do.
Be fearless and decide to walk into town – oh boy, your step count is going to be through the roof.
Oh boo how boring. Remember the saying good things come to those who wait? Well turns out it doesn’t apply to buses. GAME OVER
You arrive in the centre, and it’s heaving. You catch on from passers-by that the goddess Sulis is doing a meet and greet outside the Abbey, hence the crowds. Which way do you go now?
This adventure was brought to you by contributor Lisanne Heinz
Take a side street – the golden gems are usually tucked away from view. Good thinking. As you are passing through the street you come across a confused Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy who seems to have lost his way. He’s looking for the Spanish tapas bar Pintxo, where he’s meeting Elizabeth Bennet. But he has taken a wrong turning. Do you… Tell him to use Google maps - you’re in a rush, you don’t have time for this. How rude. Bath being a small city means you definitely could have taken the time to show Mr Darcy the way. A little kindness wouldn’t go amiss. Looks like it’s GAME OVER.
There’s a horse and carriage waiting outside, might as well if it’s right there. Ah you were so close. Seriously though - a horse and carriage? What are you, some 19th century aristocrat? Sadly, it’s GAME OVER.
Help him find his way there, it won’t take up too much time. Mr Darcy is so thankful that he gives you some money to buy dinner. You’ve worked up quite an appetite walking all afternoon. Time is ticking by, so you decide to get something to go. Where do you get it from?
Taka Taka – glorious Greek fast food.
After devouring your Greek wrap, you spot a small wine shop at the end of Broad Street. You’re in luck: they have a sale on and you manage to nab a fancy looking Sauvignon Blanc for an absolute steal. Now it’s time to head back to campus. Which transport do you use?
Head past the Roman Baths – you haven’t had a chance to see them yet.
Ouch, the Romans have just finished their bath time and are streaming out of the baths. You accidentally bump into Julius and Atticus – two Romans you don’t want to cross. They draw their swords and you spend the rest of your time fleeing. Unlucky. GAME OVER.
McDonalds – the classic, you already know your order. Really? Bath, a place full of independent eateries and you choose an international chain. Come on, you can do better. Support your local. GAME OVER You can see a U1 in the distance and if you speed walk, you’ll make it to the bus stop in time
Nice, you make it up to campus in no time. You head back to the flat and still have a couple minutes to spare to freshen up. Everyone is super impressed with your choice of wine and the evening is well spent (although no one believes that you actually met Mr Darcy).
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WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
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